TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[blcnko]

Has SH Stephenson Harwood given out all its offers yet? When can we expect a PFO post VI?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock I did a VS in March and think it would be great to put in applications, especially since I don't have any other recent legal work experience. I will do so moving forwards, but what about previously submitted apps currently in progress? I have multiple direct TC applications which I submitted before doing my spring VS. Would you recommend sending grad rec emails to add this to my application? Thank you!

Hello!

Congratulations on the VS experience, that is great to hear!!

For direct TC applications, I do think it can be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to update them, especially if the scheme gave you some strong experience or reflections that you didn't have at the time of your original application. However, I'd keep the email quite concise and purposeful - briefly mention that you have recently completed a vacation scheme, highlight 1-2 key things that you gained (e.g. skills, insights, or exposure to work), and say that you would be grateful if this could be taken into account alongside your existing application. You don't need to resent your whole application or go into loads of detail.

I would also just be aware that some firms may not formally "add" it to your application depending on where you are in the process, but I don't think it will reflect badly on you if you just send a polite update

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone. Needed some urgent help. I cannot locate the application portal for Baker McKenzie's Direct TC. How do we apply? Is it fsr.cvmail? Or is it through their website? Why are there 2 different methods? @Ram Sabaratnam will really appreciate help.
Nick

Hello!

I can see why this is confusing, and unfortunately I wouldn't be able to give you a definitive answer - apologies! I would personally find the early careers page or job listing on their website and use that application portal, as it is likely to be the most recent one. However, it might be worth sending a brief email to the early careers team at Baker McKenzie to confirm where they'd like you to send your application

 

[AryanAgg]

I've applied on both just to be safe, and I agree with the other form being worse than cvMail.

 

[juanitasimi]

Has anyone not heard from Withers at all? Radio silence here which I assume is PFO, but would like some closure

Just heard from them now

 

[summersun]

Just heard from them now

Hi I can ask whether you got the sjt ?

 

[juanitasimi]

Hi I can ask whether you got the sjt ?

Yes I did. Most likely sending it in batches so don’t worry

 

[Hector123]

Has SH Stephenson Harwood given out all its offers yet? When can we expect a PFO post VI?

Is this for the training contract or VS

 

[spamelinazoid]

As foreign educated students, if we say no to RARE recruitment data sharing, would that affect us negatively? the BM application is bugged and doesnt let me type in my foreign school, only select UK ones...

 

[abc124]

As foreign educated students, if we say no to RARE recruitment data sharing, would that affect us negatively? the BM application is bugged and doesnt let me type in my foreign school, only select UK ones...

I was thinking to just select a random school hoping that if you select 'other' when it asks for country the school won't be taken into account

 

[CharlieandLola]

In a way I appreciate Stephenson Harwood taking so long because it takes away any hope and I know when I hear back it’s a PFO

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

For those talking about Stepheson Harwood - does this mean they have progressed DTC apps post app? (ie has anyone received sjt/vi)

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone heard from Freeths post initial test?

 

[spamelinazoid]

the charcter thing on the BM app is also ridiculous - under 300 words and over 2000 characters on all questions. Literally how

 

[spamelinazoid]

Andd the portal crashed. For fs sakeeee, this is ridiculous.

 

[DennyCrane]

the charcter thing on the BM app is also ridiculous - under 300 words and over 2000 characters on all questions. Literally how

It's a nightmare. It includes spaces.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

Did the Baker Mckenzie DTC application portal close?

 

[AryanAgg]

They really needed to keep cvMail for this tbh.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Ok well the application page from their website has completely stopped working - which is odd because I am fairly sure applications don't close at 7:24 pm.

The CV mail link is still up, but not sure what to do...Im fairly sure this website is how they want applications submitted, though they did

Did the Baker Mckenzie DTC application portal close?

I think it did, but that's honestly just not it. No time was stated on there, they have 2 different links/platforms for applications and and one is completely unfit for applying....

 

[nonlawstudent98]

They haven’t made it clear which one to use. I’ve emailed multiple times with no response. They will have to honour both I think.